3 Biggest Myths of Travel Writing

When it comes to launching a travel writing career, you may feel defeated before you even begin due to the many myths circulating the Internet about travel writing. Here are the three biggest myths and why you shouldn’t listen to them.

Sure, ten years ago there was less competition, but there were also less opportunities. Think of having to pitch an idea for one of a few coveted spots in a print magazine against writers who may have decades of experience on you. Now, there is THE INTERNET. And thanks to blogs and website content and online magazines and email marketing (and the list goes on and on), there are so many more chances to get your writing published and paid for it. Which brings me to my next point….

Myth #2: You can’t make money in travel writing.

I personally know this isn’t the case. The people who say this are doing it wrong, and it’s why I basically built a whole course around this myth. There is a traditional way of travel writing that is the route most people take that is very hard to make money in. And then there is the way I do it which has been lucrative enough to let me quit my job and work at home.

Myth #3: Travel writing is dead.

This one sounds a bit like the first myth, but is actually elaborating on the fact that everyone is a “writer” or “publisher” these days. Basically asking, why does anyone need travel writing when they can just go on Instagram and type in #travel to get oodles of inspiration? This goes along with the argument that there’s nowhere left to explore and to unveil to readers.

Well, user generated content on social media does have it’s place in this world (for better or worse) but people still want to hear from the experts. And travel writers who develop a particular niche are just that. Social media also may make you think any old picture or text box will do, but people still care about quality. A well-crafted 1,000 word article on the hidden side of Siem Reap will still spark the interest of those who really want to learn about the destination that an image of Angkor Wat on Instagram or Google map earth can’t show or describe. As for the argument that there’s no where left to explore, there will always be new stories — new ways that cultures are evolving, new social ramifications, new technology and experiences that can change how you experience a destination.

What’s not a myth: Travel writing, like the world, is evolving.

One thing all three of these myths have in common is that the real answer to each is the fact that as the world evolves, your travel writing will just need to evolve, too. When it comes to being successful in travel writing, this is especially true. Your career needs to evolve differently today than it would have if you’d try to break into this line of work 10 or 15 years ago.

Not sure you’re ready to commit to a full course yet? Take my free mini travel writing email course.

It’s three days and will teach you the following:

Day 1
3 Things You Need to Ask Yourself Before You Pitch

Day 2
30 Publications to Pitch to Break Into Travel Writing (and the one thing to do to help increase the chances of your pitch being accepted).

Day 3
The Business Side of Travel Writing

Learn how to break into travel writing in 3 days!

Get my 3-Day Action Plan to launch your travel writing career. It's broken out into three easy to implement lessons, plus a bonus lesson with what you need to do to find financial success with travel writing. To get access to the course, simply fill in your name and email address to the right and then look for the welcome email in your inbox!

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About Gina

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time and with kids, being a work at home mom, and cozy WAHM fashion on this blog. This blog is mostly about helpful tips for travel and moms, but I get more personal on my Instagram so follow me there, too: @onedayinacity

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